Jon Jones Recovers from Surgeries, Dismisses Rivals' Claims, and Awaits Return

Despite ongoing feud with Cormier and turning down UFC 300, Jones maintains strong relationship with UFC and plans to defend title against Miocic.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is recovering from two surgeries, one for a pectoral tear and another for an elbow issue, and is expected to return to active competition in mid-2024.
Jones has been involved in a public feud with former rival Daniel Cormier, who recently criticized Jones as a 'bad employee' in light of leaked text messages between UFC CEO Dana White and former chairman Lorenzo Fertitta.
Despite the ongoing feud with Cormier, Jones states his relationship with the UFC is 'better now than it’s ever been', even after turning down an offer to fight at the highly anticipated UFC 300 event.
Jones is expected to defend his title against former champion Stipe Miocic upon his return, despite interim champion Tom Aspinall's expressed interest in a title fight.
Jones has dismissed claims by Khamzat Chimaev and Aspinall that they could beat him in a potential match, stating he's open to bouts once his injury heals.